Golden shower (Laburnum anagyroides)

Image – Wikimedia/Irene Grassi

The golden rain tree is a plant of great ornamental value, especially in spring when a multitude of yellow flowers sprout from its branches grouped in hanging clusters, which is why the tree receives that name in popular or common language.

Although you have to know it so there are no surprises, it really is a plant that will have no problems living in a region where the climate is temperate.

Origin and characteristics of the golden shower

Image – Wikimedia/Fence and flowers

It is a large deciduous tree or shrub native to Europe, both central and southern, known as golden rain, laburnum, false ebony or citiso. Its scientific name is Laburnum anagyroides and belongs to the Fabaceae family. It grows up to 7 meters in height, and develops a trunk whose bark is smooth.

The branches are hanging, something that gives it a very interesting look. Compound leaves sprout from them, smooth on the upper side and pubescent on the underside. Its flowers are yellow and, in addition, they have aroma. They are grouped in clusters about 20 centimeters long, and behind them appear the fruits that are legumes about 5-7 centimeters long that contain black seeds.

All its parts are toxic, especially the seeds, for humans and horses.

What is the golden shower for?

It is used for the following:

• Decorate gardens. Either as an isolated specimen, or in alignments.
• As a potted plant, because it looks very nice on a patio or terrace.
• to make musical instruments and sculptures.
• could even work like bonsai.

For all these reasons, it is an exceptional tree, even taking into account that it is toxic. Knowing it, and putting it in the right place, you can enjoy it a lot.

Caring for the Laburnum anagyroides

The golden rain tree is not difficult to maintain, but as with any plant, it is important to know not only its characteristics, but also its needs. For this reason, now that we have talked about the first thing, we are going to explain its care:

Climate

Needs a temperate climate; that is, one in which the four seasons are differentiated. In addition, the winter must be cold, with frost and snowfall, so that the tree "knows" when it should rest. And it is that without this winter rest it would end up weakening and dying, which is why it should not be grown in tropical climates.

Location

It is preferable that it be in full sun, but if there are none in your garden or patio or if the weather is warm, it can be in semi-shade. What should not be missing is light -natural-. In addition, when planting in the ground it is important to find an area where the pipes are at a minimum distance of five meters from the golden shower.

It is not a plant that can be kept indoors.

Earth

• Garden: it is a plant that grows in fresh, rich and calcareous soils.
• Flower pot: the substrate to be used must be porous, such as this mixture: 40% mulch (on sale here) with 20% earthworm humus (for sale here), and the rest perlite (for sale here) to improve drainage. The pot must have holes in the bottom, otherwise the roots will rot.

Irrigation

Image - Flickr / Maja Dumat

The golden rain tree does not resist drought; so it will be convenient to water it often if the weather is rather dry. If it rains frequently where you live, you won't have to worry too much about watering your plant; still, don't let the soil stay dry for too long.

But beware: do not wet the leaves during watering, as it could end up with fungi.

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Since the buds awaken in spring until, at least, the production of its fruits, it is worth fertilizing it with organic fertilizers. This way we will get it to grow strong, and healthy.

You can use fertilizer, guano, compost, humus... There are many highly recommended types of fertilizers that will do well for the tree. But yes, they should not be mixed, and even less so if fertilizers are used (the "chemical fertilizers") because it would end up harming it.

Multiplication

El Laburnum anagyroides multiplies by seeds. Being a tree of temperate climates, their thing is to plant them during the winter, in forest trays or pots, putting 2 or 3 in each one. The substrate can be universal (like this one that they sell here), or specific for seedbeds (for sale here).

You have to put them in partial shade, and keep the soil moist. It is also important to sprinkle copper powder on top so that fungi do not damage them.

Plagues and diseases

The golden rain tree is very hardy, but is vulnerable to mildew, a fungal disease that causes leaves to become covered in a grayish powder or mildew. In adult specimens it is not serious, but in the youngest it is necessary to treat with a fungicide. that have a copper base.

Transplant

Image – Wikimedia/Solipsist

If it is kept in a pot, it has to be planted in a larger one every 3 years approximately, depending on its growth rate. This will be done in early spring, shortly before the plant wakes up or when it has already begun to sprout.

In the event that it is going to be planted in the garden, it will also be done in the spring, once it has taken root well and its roots come out through the holes in the pot.

Rusticity

Withstands cold and intense frosts of up to -18ºC.

What do you think of the golden rain tree?